In this issue, Pianist Bobby Lyle is joined by Spyro Gyra, Pete Escovedo, Paula Atherton, concert recaps, CD reviews, a retrospective on Astrud Gilberto, and more!
PR UNDERGROUND, March 19, 2024
The grand return of Schmooze Jazz magazine ignites the hearts of music aficionados with its second installment. This edition is not just a magazine; it’s a veritable deep dive into the heart and soul of contemporary jazz, promising an extensive and immersive journey that will leave readers fascinated. Leading the charge in this edition is the enigmatic pianist extraordinaire, Bobby Lyle, whose musical genius has transcended time and continues to inspire legions of fans worldwide. Through an exclusive interview, Lyle peels back the layers of his creative process, offering intimate insights into his approach to composition, arranging, and the myriad influences that have sculpted his illustrious career. Complementing Lyle’s revelations are the mesmerizing images captured by photographer Ash Gupta, immortalizing Lyle’s essence in every frame and bringing an added dimension to the magazine’s exploration of jazz’s ever-evolving narrative.
Schmooze Jazz magazine includes a diverse array of interviews featuring Billboard-charting artists such as Eric Darius, Kim Scott, Paula Atherton, and Terry Wollman. Each interview is a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration, providing readers with a rare glimpse into the lives and creative processes of these amazing musicians.
Delving deeper into the registers of jazz history, this edition features a captivating retrospective on the incomparable Astrud Gilberto, crafted by Schmooze Jazz‘s Executive Editor and Jazz/Bossa-nova artist Kaylene Peoples. Percussionist Pete Escovedo, father of Sheila E, regales readers with captivating anecdotes from his storied career. Two contributions from Concerts.Cafe include pianist Myron McKinley who sheds light on his role as Earth, Wind & Fire’s musical director and his latest CD, Sound Alchemist; and singer/musician Rebecca Jade opens up about her career and her new CD Shade of Jade.
“Venturing beyond individual artists, Schmooze Jazz magazine serves as a guidepost for jazz enthusiasts, providing a comprehensive overview of Southern California’s vibrant music scene. From pulsating live concerts to soul-stirring festivals, event editor Sheryl Aronson meticulously curates the must-see events for jazz aficionados in the region, including the renowned Oxnard Jazz Festival, spearheaded by Chuck Dennis, who shares his inspiration for the rapidly emerging annual event in an exclusive interview. Additionally, contributing writer Michael Adam Cohen lets us live vicariously through his experiences on the Dave Koz & Friends at Sea excursion.
Keeping in step with issue 1, filled with CD and single reviews, issue 2 is a treasure trove of meticulously crafted CD reviews of notable releases: Keiko Matsui (EUPHORIA), Kenny G (INNOCENCE), Jeff Lorber Fusion (THE DROP), Lawson Rollins (HEARTWOOD), Yussef Dayes (BLACK CLASSICAL MUSIC), and Justin-Lee Schultz (JUST IN THE MOMENT).”
What sets this magazine apart?
“Schmooze Jazz” conveys a sense of community and conversation in the realm of jazz, facilitating the dissemination of newsworthy information, highlighting key events, developments, and achievements within the jazz industry in an engaging and informative manner. Founded by Kaylene Peoples in the role of Executive Editor and photographed by Ash Gupta—his second cover and editorial shoot, his first being with Dave Koz in the first issue—Gupta captures Bobby Lyle in his element. What makes Schmooze Jazz so significant is that it fills a void in jazz genres. As Bobby Lyle talks about critics placing jazz in a box in issue 2, Schmooze Jazz magazine incorporates other music styles that live on the fringe. These styles include Latin, R&B, and jazz crossover styles, among others.
Schmooze Jazz also puts a spotlight on women musicians who have been an underserved demographic in music magazines. Learning about their journeys and successes paves the way for the next generation of women musicians. It’s important to remember that music knows no gender, and Schmooze Jazz is a celebration of the boundless creativity and spirit of contemporary jazz. With its engaging interviews, thought-provoking retrospectives, and expertly curated content, Schmooze Jazz magazine invites readers to embark on a transcendent journey through the rich world of modern jazz culture. Join the conversation, expand your musical horizons, and let the rhythm of jazz guide you.
Visit KL Publishing Group to purchase Schmooze Jazz Issue 2
About Schmooze Jazz
The second installment of Schmooze Jazz magazine represents a triumphant return, captivating readers with its rich array of interviews, retrospectives, and reviews. From the timeless brilliance of Bobby Lyle to the pulsating energy of Southern California’s jazz scene, each page invites enthusiasts on a captivating journey through the world of contemporary jazz. With its immersive content and meticulous curation, Schmooze Jazz magazine continues to be a guiding light for aficionados, celebrating the past, present, and future of this ever-evolving musical genre.
Original Press Release.